Aesop’s second Zurich store, in Bärengasse, was designed by Rodney Eggleston of Melbourne’s March Studio. The store’s design continues the structural gymnastics existent in Aesop’s premiere Zurich store, located on Oberdorfstrasse and also designed by Eggleston.
In contrast to Aesop Oberdorfstrasse, which employs recycled hoarding boards as the primary construction material, Bärengasse is constructed entirely from one humble material: cork. Cork, much like Zurich itself, is unassuming, texturally rich and long-lasting. The overall design suggests a cork whole from which the store’s interior has been meticulously carved out.